- Researchers say they have linked shorter leukocyte telomeres on white blood cells to smaller brain volume and white matter.
- They said this association translates into a higher risk of all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, for people with shorter telomeres.
- Other experts, however, say the study has limitations and more research is necessary.
The length of telomeres on white blood cells may help predict the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, according to a long-term study published in the online journal General Psychiatry.
The researchers used records from the UK Biobank, an extensive biomedical database that has in-depth genetic and health information for around 500,000 people.
In the biobank, there was information on leucocyte telomere length of 439,961 people between the ages of 37 and 73 who did not have dementia when they enrolled. Scientists determined the length by analyzing blood samples at enrollment.
The scientists for the biobank used an average monitoring period of around 12 years. During this time:
- 5,820 participants developed dementia of some type.
- Of those, 1,551 participants were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Another 767 were diagnosed with vascular dementia.
A brain volume analysis based on brain imaging (MRI) was done on 38,470 participants.
The researchers in the new study said they discovered a linear association between shorter leukocyte telomeres and smaller brain volume and white matter as well as brain structures such as the hippocampus (learning and memory), thalamus (sensory processing), and the nucleus accumbens (pleasure center).
“It’s an exciting time for dementia research and a very important part of this research lies in biomarkers for early detection, precision medication, monitoring disease progression, development of new medications, reducing misdiagnosis, further advancing research and reducing healthcare costs,” said Dr. Emer MacSweeney, the chief executive office and…
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